Dave Rennie has confirmed Richie Mo'unga will not be selected for the All Blacks' opening Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Series Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park, despite the fly-half joining the touring squad in Gauteng on Friday evening as cover for the injured Billy Proctor.
Rennie was direct on Mo'unga's status after the All Blacks' 50-19 victory over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. "He arrived late last night. He is very, very excited and jumping out of his skin. He's already done a fair bit of study, and we'll spend the next wee while him getting his head around our game. We won't pick him in the first test. He will get a chance to get some game time against the Lions."
Ruben Love is set to wear the number 10 jersey at Ellis Park, with Rennie indicating the Test starting XV will look significantly different from the side that ran out against the Bulls.
The All Blacks' injury concerns extend beyond Mo'unga. Damian McKenzie remains a doubt for the first Test, while Caleb Clarke — who sustained an injury during the midweek win over the Sharks in Durban — adds to the backline headaches. Rennie confirmed that Will Jordan and Cam Rogiard came through training on Saturday and are expected to be available, but McKenzie's involvement is less certain. "We're probably less confident about Damian, but we still think he has a good chance to play on the weekend," Rennie said, adding that Tuesday's training session would be a key marker.
Xavier Numia was withdrawn at half-time against the Bulls with a stiff Achilles, while Cortez Ratima carried a knee complaint — both managed conservatively with the Test a week away.
Hooker Codie Taylor was among the standout performers in Pretoria, crossing for two first-half tries and anchoring a forward effort that achieved 100% lineout success while he was on the park. Taylor came off at the break as planned. The veteran was measured about what lies ahead, acknowledging the Bulls outing represented a step forward in set-piece cohesion but warning the Springboks will pose a far sterner examination. "There's going to be so much more we can work on, and it's going to be even tougher come next week," Taylor said.